IISD Board marks 20 years: welcomes Tattenbach, farewells Runnalls
WINNIPEG—June 10, 2010—The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) international board of directors is meeting in Winnipeg this week for the annual general meeting marking the institute's 20th anniversary and a change of leadership.
IISD chair Dan Gagnier said there are three areas in which IISD has made tremendous contributions since it started life 20 years ago. "One is the institute's ability to sort out the myth from the reality," he said, referring to such achievements as the institute's ground-breaking work in trade and the environment, including the effects of subsidies.
"Over the course of IISD history, the institute also established its credibility in the earth sciences," he said, referring to its work across a wide range of sectors. "IISD is also a pioneer in developing new methodologies and measurement criteria to help policy makers better understand the impacts of specific actions, internationally."
The board will officially welcome IISD's new president and CEO Franz Tattenbach and honour David Runnalls who is retiring, at a gala dinner this evening.
The board has named Runnalls a Distinguished Fellow of the Institute. It has also elected three new members to the board, replacing Gordon McBean and John Forgách who retire after six years.
Stephanie Cairns is welcomed back to the board after she stepped down last year to lead the successful search for the new CEO and president.
Other new board members are:
· Hugo Delorme, director, government relations at Montreal-based NATIONAL Public Relations. Delorme is actively involved in a variety of social, political and business organizations.
· Carlos A. Nobre, PhD meteorology, senior scientist, Center for Earth System Science (CCST) - National Institute for Space Research (INPE), Brazil
"We are honoured to welcome these outstanding new members to the board," said Gagnier.
With the addition of these new directors, there are now 21 members of the board, representing nine countries. IISD's board of directors meets twice a year.
For more information, please contact Nona Pelletier, IISD media and communications officer, phone: +1 (204) 958-7740 or cell: +1 (204) 962-1303.
About IISD
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. Our work inspires better decisions and sparks meaningful action to help people and the planet thrive. We shine a light on what can be achieved when governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities come together. IISD’s staff of more than 250 experts come from across the globe and from many disciplines. With offices in Winnipeg, Geneva, Ottawa, and Toronto, our work affects lives in nearly 100 countries.
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